The Dreamliner
The aviation world is set to hit turbulence in May 2008 according to Antony Gardner (http://www.flightreviewcenter.com). Costing a modest 143 million dollars and boasting a flight deck that Han Solo would love to get his hands on, the Boeing 787 will attempt to sore to a dominating altitude in the medium size long haul airliner market.
Set to replace the Boeing 767, the Boeing 787 will feature an increased cruising speed of 561mph and in the 787-9 configuration will boast an extra 5000km range over its predecessor. Boeing also claims that the mid sized jet will use 20 percent less fuel then today's thirsty airliners making it one of the most eco friendly planes ever designed. The reduced fuel usage is likely to spell good things for those wishing to practice green policies and also bring some form of economic reward to the airlines if not the customer.
Whilst not matching the carrying capacity of larger class airplanes appearing later this year (Airbus A380 anybody?), the affectionately named "Dreamliner" can carry between 210 and 330 passengers depending upon the purchased configuration. Capable of taking to the sky carrying a maximum of some 540,000lbs; passengers and transporters alike will benefit from somewhere between 4400ft3 and 5400ft3 of cargo space. For those bill payers likely to travel with credit-card-crazy partners, you better start coming up with new excuses now.
With over 50% of the planes structure being made up of light weight composite materials and neon lights etching out roof mounted sky lights, the Dreamliner visually lives up to its name. The elegant angled wings and relatively small Rolls-Royce gives the 787 an air of agility and grace not generally attributed to an airliner.
Already sales for the Boeing 787 have reached an all time high. Some 44 customers have placed 544 orders for the plane which only saw its first assembly take place earlier this month and which is still yet to fly. This unprecedented level of pre-orders has made the Dreamliner Boeings greatest launch success. Virgin Atlantic recently placed the largest European order for the planes, ordering 15 of the 787-9 airliners. Sir Richard Branson, chairman of Virgin Atlantic and king of all things entrepreneurial commented that, "The 787 Dreamliner symbolises the environmentally-kinder aircraft of the future - cleaner, quieter, lighter and truly the best experience in the air,"
Do we agree?...well, nobody is trying harder than Sir Richard Branson and let's face it air travel is here to stay - so it's a resounding yes from us.
